How to Handle Overthinking Holistically: From Work to Relationships, and Everything in Between

If you’ve ever caught yourself replaying a conversation in your head, worrying about an upcoming meeting, or second-guessing how you looked in the mirror this morning —you’re not alone. In fact, according to recent research, the average person has around 6,200 thoughts every single day. That’s a lot of mental chatter to sift through.

Some of those thoughts are helpful. But many? Not so much. Overthinking (especially the kind that loops endlessly or fixates on things we can’t control) voi drain our energy, increase anxiety, and keep us stuck in the past tai paralyzed about the future.

The good news? There are healthy, holistic ways to quiet the mental noise, feel more groundedja return to the present moment, whether you’re overthinking a work email, a relationship issue, your appearance, or the big question marks of life.

Here’s how.

What *Is* Overthinking, Really?

At its core, overthinking is the tendency to dwell on thoughts (especially worries, fears, or hypotheticals) long past the point of being helpful. Sometimes, it masquerades as being productive (“I just want to be prepared!”), but often it spirals into rumination. That’s when we go over the same thing again ja again without finding a solution.

Overthinking is common when we’re feeling uncertain tai emotionally vulnerable, think: waiting for feedback at work, wondering if your partner is upset with you, or panicking about future finances. It tends to lead to more stressi, more doubtja less clarity.

But with the right tools, we can interrupt the cycle.

1. Schedule Your Worry Time

It might sound odd, but intentionally setting aside time to worry can actually reduce how much you do it. The idea is simple: rather than letting anxious thoughts creep in all day, you contain them within a specific time window.

Try this:

* Choose 10–15 minutes each day (ideally a few hours before bedtime).

* During that window, write out your worries — no filter, no judgment.

* Once the time is up, close the notebook or step away from the app.

When anxious thoughts show up later, gently remind yourself: “That’s for worry time… I’ll come back to it then.”

This technique helps retrain your brain to recognize that not every worry deserves your attention 24/7.

Kuva: Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

2. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

Overthinking is often fueled by distorted thoughts, catastrophizing, attempting to ‘mind read’, or assuming the worst. Learning to challenge those thoughts can shift your mindset in powerful ways.

Let’s say you’re overthinking something at work, like a presentation that didn’t go perfectly. Instead of spiraling into “Everyone must think I’m incompetent,” ask:

* What evidence do I have that supports this?

* What might be another explanation?

* What would I say to a friend in this situation?

By catching and questioning your overthinking in real time, you create space for more rational, compassionate, and balanced thoughts.

Photo by pine watt on Unsplash

3. Microdosing Psilocybin: A Gentle Mind-Reset

Viime vuosina, psilosybiinin mikroannostelu (the active compound in “magic” mushrooms) has emerged as a tool for mental wellness. Microdosing involves taking a very small, sub-perceptual dose (usually around 0.1–0.3 grams of dried mushrooms or +/- 1g of fresh magic truffles), which doesn’t cause hallucinations but can gently enhance mood, focus, and emotional clarity.

For people prone to overthinking, microdosing can help quiet mental noise and create space between thought and reaction. Many report feeling more grounded, avoinja less attached to the looping narratives that often drive anxiety.

Of course, microdosing isn’t a silver bullet, and it’s not for everyone. But when approached mindfully, and ideally under guidance or as part of a wellness routine, it can support emotional flexibility — an antidote to rigid, repetitive thought patterns.

4. Connect With Your Body to Calm the Mind

When your thoughts feel like a hamster wheel, sometimes the fastest way to get off is to drop into your body.

Try these simple grounding practices:

* Deep belly breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6)

* Gentle stretching or restorative yoga

* A mindful walk in nature

* Taking a warm bath with soothing scents

Physical relaxation signals safety to the brain. And when the body feels safe, the mind doesn’t have to stay on high alert.

Kuva: Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

5. Shift Focus With Meaningful Distraction

Not all distractions are created equal. Scrolling Instagram for an hour might numb your brain, but it rarely soothes your soul.

Instead, try activities that actively shift your focus and spark joy, curiosity, or creativity:

* Listen to a favorite podcast

* Call a friend who makes you laugh

* Cook something new

* Draw, write, or make music

These moments help you reconnect with the present, offering a healthy reset when overthinking pulls you into past regrets or future fears.

Photo by Paras Kapoor on Unsplash

 6. Remind Yourself: Overthinking Rarely Helps

One simple, but powerful, question to ask yourself: Has overthinking ever really helped me?

Most of the time, the answer is no.

It may feel like you’re being responsible or prepared, but if the result is more anxiety and less clarity, it’s time to gently let go. You don’t need to figure out everything all at once. You’re allowed to pause, breathe, and trust that things can unfold in their own time.

7. Find What Works for You

Everyone’s mind works a little differently. What calms one person might not work for another. That’s okay. Experiment with different tools, practices, and routines until you find what helps you return to center.

Whether it’s journaling in the morning, taking a mindful microdose a few times a week, or setting strong boundaries at work, know that you have options. Overthinking might be common, but it’s not inevitable, and it certainly doesn’t have to run the show.

You deserve a mind that feels clear, a body that feels safe, and a life that feels like your own.